“You’re here to love, and be loved, freely. If you find out next week that you are terminally ill—and we’re all terminally ill on this bus—what will matter are memories of beauty, that people loved you, and that you loved them.” ~@ANNELAMOTT
“I try to keep pointing out flickers of light, hope, and love all around, to stand in witness to the times we have come through after shame and hopelessness nearly did us in.” ~@ANNELAMOTT
Antisemitism is on the rise. @billmaher and I discussed the statistics on @RealTimers. 82% of Jewish Americans noticed an increase in antisemitism. More than 50% of Jewish student feel the need to hide their identity. And the FBI found antisemitic attack are up 16% across the country.
My son was bullied in school last year.
The ‘cool’ kids harassed him in the classroom. And wouldn’t let him play sports at recess.
We noticed how much he hated going to school every day. After months of being bullied he finally broke down and told me what was going on.
I was bullied as a kid too, so I knew how it felt. My heart was broken for the little guy. I took it seriously.
I sat in his bed until late that night giving him perspective and tools.
He went to school the next day armed for battle, but our plan backfired. He was crushed again. He wanted to give in. Maybe change classes. I told him not to give up.
We went back to the drawing board.
The day after he managed to turn it all around. He stood up for himself and showed the bullies he’s not to be messed with a respectful way.
He was invited to play! He ended up becoming one of the best players in the school. 💪
Fast forward…
Yesterday my son was playing soccer. And a boy tried to play. The kids wouldn’t let him in. A few years back they gave this boy a nasty nickname and he’s been sidelined ever since.
Yesterday on the court, my son also called him the mean nickname. He saw how much it hurt the boy.
He remembered his hurtful it was when we was bullied.
He came home from Synagogue and told me what happened. He felt terrible.
I told him the right thing to do was to call to say sorry. He didn’t want. He was to shy and embarrassed.
I called the boys father anyways. He told me that his son is having a rough year because of the bullying. My son heard every word.
His father passed the phone to his boy.
I put my son on the line.
“I’m sorry I called you that name. From now on I’ll make sure that nobody bothers you .” My son said.
The boy responded “thank you Menachem.”
My son said “can we be friends?”
I heard the boy chocking up and struggling to answer. Finally he said in a teary voice…
“Yes”.
Lesson learned, bullying is serious. We as parents have to be just as concerned about other kids feelings as we are about our own kids.
We have to turn our children into leaders and defenders instead of bystanders.
I subscribe to the hands on parenting method. How about you?
NEW: Dozens of Asian American scholars & allies are signing an open letter pointing out how Chancellor Thomas Keon's racist comments expose broader problem of institutional racism @PurdueNorthwest & need for new leadership to implement structural change 🧵https://t.co/OoI92GsDEf
Thank you again to everyone who came to help us celebrate @ADL_Connecticut and @MarjiShapiro's work in fighting hate for good over the past 32 years. The work continues. The lights of all of our supporters and volunteers continue to shine.
Twitter fam, thank you for helping me to find the family of the 9 year old girl from NJ who had the police called on her by her neighbor for collecting lantern flies. I connected with them & invited them to @yale for a Black girl led Science Tour! Yesterday—HISTORY was MADE (1/)
We celebrate our colleague @MarjiShapiro who's been with ADL for over 30 years for her immeasurable and lasting contributions to our community. We're thrilled to honor her next week at our event "Fighting Hate for Good" on Nov 1. Learn more about Marji: https://t.co/ns1IeZvhbm
.@ADL_Connecticut fights antisemitism, racism, and hate, but we cannot do it alone. We need you. Our community is stronger together, and together we’re Fighting Hate for Good. Join ADL Connecticut for our Fighting Hate for Good Gala on Nov 1. Register:
https://t.co/oxLgkHiwa5
We are appalled by this reported racially motivated attack at the heart of the @Yale University campus. We support the community and law enforcement as they investigate and act in response. Hate and bias have no place in Connecticut.
https://t.co/HNcJEZXr7K